Being A Godly Man

Being a Christian is the hardest thing I do in my life. Being a good husband and father is no picnic either. The reason for this difficulty to lead a Christian life and maintain the important relationships in life is because we are attacked by Satan regularly.  This is called Spiritual Warfare.  We should pray warfare prayers.

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, Ephesians 6:10–18 (ESV)

We should pray on this spiritual armor every morning.  This is also an excellent means to conduct a spiritual inventory each day also.  As I pray on the belt of truth I examine my own honesty, as I pray on the breastplate of righteousness I consider my own personal righteousness, etc.

My relationship with my wife is a vital part of my being a godly man.  I am her leader and protector.  I should put forth all my energy in maintaining this relationship.  My relationship with my wife has great impact upon my relationship with Christ.

For example the effectiveness of my prayers can be hindered if my relationship with my wife is not right.

⁷ Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. 1 Peter 3:7 (ESV)

As a godly man I am to live with my wife in an understanding way.  It is easy for men to become demanding and domineering over time.  Think of the character Archie Bunker.  I am to be understanding of my wife. and not overbearing.  Godly men will honor their wife.  Think how you would handle a valuable and delicate object such as a Stradivarius violin were it placed in your hands.  Think about how you would instruct your young son to handle it were it in his hands.  Your wife is far more valuable, and her spirit is much more delicate.  She is the weaker vessel.  This text is not implying nor teaching that husbands are superior to their wives, but that men and women are different.

Adrian Rogers once helped me to better understand this comparison.  He said men are like denim and women like silk.  Denim is tougher than silk but not more valuable.  Silk is far more valuable than denim.  Husbands your wife is fine silk, she is delicate and you can severely and easily damage her spirit by being inconsiderate, and dictatorial.

As a Christian man I am commanded to love my wife.  I must be aware that Satan also knows how important it is for me to do this and that He will do everything in his power to attack this relationship.  This is why divorce is such a personal tragedy for the families who suffer it and also why so many marriages today suffer this tragic end.

If you have a desire to be a godly man you need to take notice of how you are living with your wife, and acknowledge that Satan is also taking notice and waiting for the most opportune time to attack.